WASHINGTON D.C., Dec 18 (V7N) – President Donald Trump has announced a special one-time bonus for U.S. military members, dubbed the "Warrior Dividend," during a televised primetime address from the White House on Wednesday (December 17).

According to reports from CNN and other major media outlets, more than 1.45 million active-duty service members and eligible reservists will receive a payment of $1,776. The specific amount was chosen to honor the year of America’s founding.

  • Eligibility: The bonus applies to roughly 1.45 million personnel, including active-duty members (rank O-6 and below) and reserve component members who served at least 31 days of active duty as of November 30, 2025.

  • Funding Source: President Trump stated that the "Warrior Dividend" is funded by revenue generated from his administration's tariff policies. He claimed that the government has received significantly more revenue than expected from these levies.

  • Economic Claims: During the 18-minute speech delivered from the Diplomatic Reception Room, Trump highlighted his first 11 months in office, claiming the U.S. has become the "hottest country in the world." He asserted that his policies have secured trillions in investment and improved the job market, while frequently criticizing the "mess" he inherited from former President Joe Biden.

  • Delivery: The President noted that the checks "are already on the way" and are expected to arrive before the Christmas holiday.

The announcement comes at a time when public polling indicates voter frustration with inflation and the cost of living. While the bonus has been welcomed by military families, some economic experts and critics have raised questions regarding the fiscal math behind the "$18 trillion" figure cited by the President, as well as the legal mechanisms for distributing tariff revenue as direct dividends without specific Congressional appropriation.

In his concluding remarks, Trump framed the dividend not just as financial aid, but as a symbol of national gratitude. "Nobody deserves it more than our military," Trump stated. "This is being done in honor of the founding of our nation in 1776."

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